Thank You Denver Quilt Show!

Winners List Click HERE

Best in Show
for Me and Pat Munroe!!

  (Seven Dysfunctional Sisters) 

Congratulations to us!
Now Imma go turn the hose on myself!

Scuse me.

Remember the Geisha Girl Quilt???

 "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."

Larry Bird

The Garden Evolution

I was out and about early this morning running errands, and decided to pop into the local Goodwill shop. I am on the hunt for cheaper than cheap garden/yard art.(and a cow bell) I found THIS treasure for a whole dollar! A medium sized clay pot, painted to look a bit Greek-Y? I love it! I especially love the price!





This is a new invention Mufasa made for me last week end. I now must fill those pots! Isnt it cute? I need the cowbell for the end of the rope. I think I can market this item:) Going down the row live our succulents, cactus boxes, and my happy flower pot! I really have no idea why this brown thumbed quilter is interested in patio gardening, but I'm rolling with it? Next thing ya know she'll be getting a KITTEN and eating chocolate!
WHAT??????????????????
Oh! Speaking of kittens... check out my sick lil buried cat near the cactus. I LOL everytime I walk out the door! Thanks Linda:)
Enjoy the shots, I'm off to quilt something!

ABOVE FAKE BURIED CAT >>>LMAO!

Getting Busy

"It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly."– Isaac Asimov

Good morning:) This yummy quilt awaits my attention this morning! Its called "Coffee and Cream".

 I want an entire guest room built around it. But its not mine:( grunt.

I tortured myself for hours last evening with thread choices. I have decided on a thin black with sheen. (Glide) I have an urgency to piece a quilt soon. Alert the media! It doesnt happen often. It must be that new cheetah fabric staring at me daily right? Or those batiks calling my name.

 I feel another YIKES coming on! 

 I am truly behind in everything now. The house, the quilting, the paperwork. My fault. Time management blew a tire somewhere between Arroyo Grande and Cambria. Or was that Morro Bay and Stockton? Who knows, but management needs to get back on track pretty darn soon before I find myself in a rubber room. Heres a song that helps to keep me somewhat sane of late.......Humbling, and calming.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VU_rTX23V7Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'm hunting down a clipboard and getting busy. Enjoy your Tuesday and wish me Gods speed running down the list!

Blogger's Block? MM

"It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him."
– John Steinbeck

I guess its possible right? Bloggers block? Frankly, the last few weeks it has been quite difficult to come over here to chat. I suppose its understandable. I wont beat myself up too much over it.
This is a great grand girl picture from last weeks quick visit. They put on a great dance show for Nonni while I rested from the drive! I miss 'em already.
How was your Easter week end? While we didnt get any family time in, we did manage to work in the yard and garden and even dine with friends.That rock garden is coming along nicely and we are having fun with it. I 'll be snapping shots soon for ya!
I'm anxious to get back on my machine and put spring break away! Things get all goofy when routines are changed. Or I'm just getting old and set in my ways? LOL ( dont say it).
Have a marvelous Monday!
MM Include:

Pretty rock gardens
Nurseries to stroll through
Baby Grands
Finding my Pandora!
Quilts to quilt
Support systems
not bloggers block.

(I love saying) Hi Honies! I'm Home!

Home and back to it. Yep yep yep, I must. This was a fast and fun twin with lime neon thread... Love my limes:)  The trip was a fast and emotionally, PLUS physically draining jaunt over but guess what? Yep, I am still breathing! I know this must sound quite odd but I find myself dumbfounded at how life keeps freight train-ing along no matter the crisis. I was able to see all family and most friends. Love up on my baby grands, say a not so "good" bye to my beautiful neice, and I even had time for a visit with Mr. Wizard. (thank God eh?) I explained to him how I am afraid I have been seared with scars that I didnt earn, and do not want. We agreed that it really isnt time to stop my therapy. ( YA THINK?)It was good to see him, and I shall happily continue. For now, glad to be home and re couperating while loading my next beauty. I think I'll go work on Jamie's tee shirts first. Happy Friday, pass the scissors:)

"We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results."– Herman Melville

Headed Out For Family Days

Wish that it were better circumstances, but glad to have time with all of them just the same.
I will check in when I can.
LYG, Be good!

MM include:

A very good family:)

Low & Slow Best Baby Backs

Good morning:) I am a busy beaver this week in preparation to join my family next week. We are all trying to be strong and get things done. Thank you for all of your notes, as it really means a lot. I am off to jammie quilt this morning, as soon as I put on a Pot O Beans:)

If you like sweet and savory fall off the bones baby backs, try this easy recipe tonight!

This is also great on Beef ribs off your prime rib. I just love ribs, don't you?

Dry Rub:

3/4 cups dark brown sugar

3/4 cups sugar

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/8 cup course ground black pepper

1/8 cup paprika

2 slabs baby back ribs

Combine  dry rub ingredients and slather all over the ribs. Wrap ribs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.

Place on baking sheet lined with foil, and cover with foil as well. Bake at 275 for 2 1/2 hours.

Remove and baste with sauce below. You can now grill or roast 2o minutes longer(uncovered) while basting a few times.

Sauce:

2 parts chili sauce

1 part honey

Blend well in food processor or blender

I wake Up & She's SIX!!!

Happy Birthday to my Lovie!!

Why cant she stay 4? This sleepy head wakes up to a donut, and a whole new chapter of life.

It's going too fast I tell you. Way too fast.

Have a fun school day Missy , watch for the mail man and I will see you in a few days!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quiet Days Of Reflection

It is with great pain that again have to report yet another horrid tragedy in my family. How I ask you this can happen in ones lifetime is just incomprehensible to me and mine. I debated as to whether or not to even post, but in preserving history, and keeping to my unplugged promise, I suppose I must, but I shall be brief.
 My beautiful niece of only 33 years of age has been welcomed into heaven unexpectedly for reasons unknown to us yet.
This fine, fierce, friendly, fun and faithful woman will be sorely missed.
Katie, give Munz & Mom a big hug, and you guys save a seat for me. I love you, I don't understand. I dont understand at all.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kathryn Elisabeth will be held next week.
PS: Send all angels for this family :(

Winner Of Thread Haul

As we light a path for others, we naturally light our own way.
Mary Anne Radmacher



Number 25...............Lisa! Congratulations!

 Please email me your snail mail address:)

gina@deargina.com

Thanks to everyone for playing. Lets do it again soon:)
LYG
G

PS: I used random generator for the draw and could not copy/paste the winning picture. Grunt.

Drawing!::::::Thread Gift For you!::::::::Drawing!

"If you always do what you have always done

 you will always get what you have always got."

Henry Ford.

Good Mornin`. As promised I finally got around to this blogabout! I believe in PIF. (paying it forward)  Or back, or around, or random acts of kindness any way you can slice it! It makes me happy. Happy is good. Just like secret sister gifts, stitch and bitch nights, surprise packages in the mail for no apparent reason, fresh cut flowers on my table, stolen kisses, fresh brewed coffee smells, crank calls from the grand kids.... :::::sigh::: its just plain ole fun k? Therefore,  I have a great gift for you! I have been blessed with a boatload of these lucious strands of bliss, and I would like to share. 80 Thousand yards of
pet-able thread! Damn the torpedos! (I mean shipping charges)

Just drop me a note down there in the comment box,
A second one saying you clicked on "follow me",
A third shot if you link back to me from your own site!

Three chances at pulling a rabbit out of my hat! (thread out of my bin?)
If , by chance you already follow, just say so!
 I will draw on Monday evening and post the winner for a tell all Tuesday! ( I miss Mr Wizard)
Good luck to all of you peoples, I am grateful that you are here for my first cuppa in the morning, I love yer guts!



PIA?

This is the SECOND TIME Idol seriously pissed me off this season!
I understand that I already blogged this morning for a Foodie Friday, however while I am alternating quilting with a dry rub concotion for tomorrows baby back ribs, I have this cheek burning going on and it isnt a hot flash! ( thank Mankind for HRT). While so many tragic, horrid things go on around the world, one might find it so trivial to concern themselves with fuming over a television program.  Heres my pondering on that...... Its a distraction from ALL of it. meant for entertainment purposes. Channel changing, respite for one little hour in my day.  Not try to fool the public, piss em off, or all of the other things going on around the world that warrant that kind of emotion.
Could it actually be a voting issue where say girls are the prevelant voters and they dont like other girls? They spend all thier votes on goofy ears Durban?
Maybe its a lack of Simonisms? Cheerleading unconstructive critisisms panel of 2011 judges?
I bet you a quarter that Simon is lurking in the wings and signed PIA 2 minutes after the show aired!
Do you remember the night the judges saved Casey? It was so staged.. come on!
Could it be how to get ratings without Paula and Simon around?
<---pissed I tell you!
OK... Off my chest. Scuse me while I go slap some meat around for awhile to finish off the vent job:) Then I'll relax with a glass of wine and quilt until I purr. Grunt.

Mustard & Thyme Riblets

Do you get bored with same ole same ole recipes that you use? I do too. Especially with Steaks or lamb. In this case, its lamb. My Mother loved to make little lamb riblets in the skillet with lots of spices. She gnawed on them like she was in heaven. It must be where I get my gnawing tendencies?( usually on a pork chop bone). I've been playing with a new recipe the other night and didnt have a lot of faith in the flavors going in but to my pleasant surprise, I hit it on the last try!!  Eee chee Ban! I'm certain that the two different mustards was the key. I think next time I will make this with a leg of lamb! It is super simple and packed with flavor!

1 lb Lamb riblets
------------------------------------------
Marinade:
2 TBLSP Smooth Dijon mustard
2 Tblsp grainy deli mustard (that has horseradish)
2 Tblsp white wine (not much to sacrifice doncha think?)
2 Tblsp finely chopped Thyme
4 Tblsp Olive Oil
----------------------------------
Serve with:
Mint Jelly

Mix all marinade ingredients well. Place riblets in a large Ziploc bag and add the mixed marinade. Refrigerate over night or at least 6 hours.
Preheat your grill pan (use the rippled kind to keep fat off and make pretty marks) Grill over medium heat and cook 12-15 minutes (turning midway) depending on how you like your meat cooked. We like it medium rare.
I think these would be great on the BBQ if you can keep the fire off the fat! (say no to fat)
I served this with mint jelly, and a Pear & Gorgonzola salad. I really wanted some couscous or some kind of starch, but my diet says nooooooooooo.grunt.



"I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible,

to be honorable, to be compassionate.

It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something,

 to have made some difference that you lived at all."
Leo Rosten

Thursday Un Thoughts

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. 

 ~Author Unknown

I've got that feeling today. The overwhelmed, Ive got too much to do, I cant see any accomplishments, and I'm just hungry feeling. GRUNT.

My brain has so many racing thoughts that I cant put one whole one on paper! ( screen)

I was going to give you a divine recipe I made last evening, but I looked and it wasnt foodie friday? Then I thought I'd have a giveaway for thread. I gots tons and want to share. But that would mean locating the camera under cones and cones of thread. repeat grunt. I am now yelling at myself to GET UP and get to work on at least ONE of the things on the list. But I'm hungry. I get the shakes if I dont eat. If I dont eat RIGHT that is. Maybe I'll boil eggs and eat one. I cant get my bloodwork done because I drank coffee. I can do the dishes I lazily left in the sink last night, but that would mean getting wet, and I'm cold. :::whiney brat this morning eh?:::: Can I go back to bed? BRB

OK, sorry. I smacked myself silly and poured a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats and a hard boiled egg. Made some fresh coffee and I feel slightly human again. Good thing huh?

Not sure whats higher, the stacks of paperwork to go through, or the thread to make sense of. Oh wait! Its the quilts I need  to quilt! No! Its the dishes in the sink! Shit. Maybe I need to go eat again. Still racing thoughts. I hate that! Scuse me while I go pull my head outa my... well... shower and get busy, hows that?

Love yer guts, stay tuned for divine lamb riblet dish, and a thread giveaway! ( when I pull my head outa.......)

If I don't I wont be able to watch Idol tonight guilt free! I wish I could vote off a few myself this week. Grunt. Hey I have a question. Is it far enough into the season to give James Durban some cash to pin his ears back with? Can one have an ear job? Oh I am so bad, bad, bad.
<-----secretly wishes I were PIA, (with my wisdom, of course)

Sewing Center Desk

WOW! Can I have one of these???? WOW! I understand that it would RARELY look like the closed up version but WOW! Way to open my droopy coffee sipping eyes! Its called the scrapbox . Go watch the video.  I already filled mine up in my head...lol I think those shallow outer walls is a great place for a mini design "block" wall! (s)
Hey heather, this would also be great for your space!
I have to do double time this morning as I spent all of yesterday running errands. Maybe I should make my new day off on Mondays. Funnily enough most of my former career life I had Sunday/Monday off. I could be pre programmed. I'll ponder that. I seem to be outside more than in these days due to SUNSHINE! We got our three lil veggies in the ground last evening and thay are so cute. I know this is quite trivial to all of you saged gardeners, however I have never fancied moving the earth around. It dirties my nails, I'd much rather point. I'm finding it kind of theraputic now. Dont expect me to be mowing anything soon. I'm not THAT into it. As I crawled up the hillside pulling what seems to be mountains of weeds, I wondered why in the heck my Sissy enjoys this sport. I watch her dig, pull, plant, and play and I ask her why with all of her resources cant she just hire one good gardener? She always laughs and tells  me its her creation. I suppose I can understand that. It may be like me hiring a piecer to make my quilts. Hey!! What a great idea!!!
<---shameless.
Anyway, putting this seemingly blank canvas of a yard and garden together is more like birthing  little creations. Here is a photo of the three lil veggies, day one. LOL

Now Mufasa wishes to plant a watermelon patch. Gina the farmer. Who knew?

No Tech Week End

"Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself." Doris Lessing



And I'm having withdrawls! I turned off the world for a few days, phone and all. No Facebook, no emails, no blogabouts...nada. On Saturday we enjoyed yard sale shopping, ::Junkin::: and worked in our garden. I did find a perfect little rain boot with succulents inside, a little treasure for sure. Sunday I wanted so badly to be with friends for a birthday celebration but could not be. I wonder if THATS why I was sick all day? I have no idea what came over me but I woke up sick and stayed that way until about 2 hours ago. I now feel fine. Hmmmmmm Something I ate? I personally think its time for friends and family injection. I havent heard my baby grands voices in far too long.
While moving earth around all week end I decided to try my hand at farming. I bought some red bell peppers and Linda brought me a cherry tomato. Now, admittedly, I am afraid of big fat hairy worms. The one and only time we tried to grow our own food the worms came and we ran around the backyard screaming and yelling! We ended up calling some guys to remove all plants while we hid in the house. Stupid, but brutally honest. I whole heartedly wish to grow my own goods, so please oh please dont let the worms come over!
The rock garden has expanded quite a bit and the interest out here is just so eye pleasing and relaxing! I cant wait until the grands see the snake in the branches and run in the house screaming. I laughed the entire time planting the fake tree in anticipation. ( bad Nonni).
The highlight of the no tech week end was when I found THEE PERFECT meyers lemon tree! It wasnt easy either. Now ya know no self respecting latin woman would be without her limon` tree right? Of course right. Now do ya think I could find thee perfect pot for her? Nope. Shes still lonely with no forever home out there, but, with tons of blossoms and sun coming, she will smile soon:) I was going to get a half oak planter, but frankly, they are so heavy and other pots so bright and cheery that I passed. 3 times I passed.
With much work yet to do outside it will have to wait for quilts are calling! We have a huge yard, all uphill and full of weeds. Most noteably, 4 hands between us only.Time. The answer to everything.....grunt.
Have a marvelous Monday Dear Blog Readers, missed ya:)

M & M's include:

No Sales Tax Saturday at Miners!
Perfect lemon tree
Fake snake giggles
Diggin or dishin dirt with those ya love.
All day sew in's!
NOT no tech week ends
Chatting with strangers at yard sales...lol

Serious Sew In

 I think its pretty darn cool that I am quilting on my BFF's Quilt in one spot, while she is pumping out the very next quilt!

LOL Linda and I had a great sew in day! We need a few more of them to finish right? We did manage to steal away for a bite to eat, but other than that, several sewing hours! The houses and snowballs that I'm working on is beautiful, however I cannot wait to load that New York Beauty! I was watching her piece it from the corner of my eye and amazed at the ease of the curved piecing. I'd lie to say I'll try it one day, but not sure about that! There are so many UFO's piled up now of mine that I dare not start another. Hey! I have a great idea! I could barter with my piecer to finish mine! Hmmmmmm
Ah the yummy ideas while drinking coffee.....
I'm off to find hidden treasure at yard sales! Have a good Saturday!

April Fools Cobra Idea

Good mornin`. I was having a thought. Go figure. With all of this talk about the lost Cobra in New York, its been bugging me. In the photo below you see our growing rock garden. Do you peoples remember the wine tree trunk on my walls in past? It held six bottles of wine? Well, I decided when I moved here not to keep any wine on walls again, however I have a sentimental spot for this darn tree trunk! Mufasa and I purchased it in Monterey an eternity ago. I need to keep it. I could be an up and coming hoarder, who knows. Anyway, this morning the news of course again is either Libya, Cobra, or sunshine. I walked out onto the patio wondering where the lil snakester might be hiding and very happy it was just about five thousand miles away. Then it hit me. In a few short months I could have snakes right here in my own back yard! As my blurry eyes scanned the hillside full of good hiding places for snakes it made me wonder if I could use the old OWL theory and put my own snake in the gaden winding it through the wine tree trunk and SCARE off any lurking beasts near by!!! Brilliant!! Right?? If I hadnt run this by you it would have been THE BEST April fools Joke played on Mufasa!!!
So imagine with me if you will a realistic snake intertwined in these holes and tell me what you think!! I am going to Google fake snakes and buy one.. send a picture of the finished product to Ellen and see if she will THEN call me over for a cuppa! I keep expecting her to find me on Twitter, but it hasn't happened yet.:::different blogabout:::
The best news is that our rock garden is really becoming interesting and I'll be showing it to you soon. I must admit that with all this sunshine its been darned hard to quilt inside! In addition to that I am working on a custom and its a slow go-er. I am also still stabilizing tee shirt blocks times 60!!!
Guilt just waved over me, I better go now. Grunt. Have a great day:)

SENIORS TEXTING CODE.....

Action is the foundational key to all success.

Pablo Picasso

For those of you people who  may have missed THIS morning spew on Facebook, here is a quick look! Bolded is how far I am into the senior phase! LOLOLOLOL

Senior Texting cheat sheet:

ATD..At The Doctors.

BFF..Best Friend Fell.

BTW..Bring the Wheelchair.

BYOT..Bring Your Own Teeth.

FWIW..Forgot Where I Was.

 GGPBL..Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low.

GHA..Got Heartburn Again.

IMHO..Is My Hearing-Aid On.

LMDO..Laughing My Dentures Out.

OMMR..On My Massage Recliner.

OMSG ..Oh My! Sorry, Gas.

ROFLACGU....Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up.

 TTYL..Talk To You Louder.

Work To Live Or Live To Work?

Man sacrifices his health in order to make money.

 Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.

 Then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;

the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;

 He lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

Dali Lama

One may wonder if the title is speaking about a quilter for hire? Hmmmm I wonder if I will have any good quotes left behind? You know, hey! Use your Olive Oil!, or, "HERE! I love your guts. grunt."  How about, "Be nice or go home!" I know! "Live well, get a manicure!" lol I'm so shallow at times. Or... aged 7? I think it was Blima that accused me of that. I wonder if the Dali lama gets high? I DO NOT KNOW where that came from! Wow.. I need more coffee. BRB.

Ok, I figured out where it came from. Its all of these people who have taken art to the level of infinity, and then I find out that they are generally reaching places of their minds with the help of chemicals rushing through their veins. Name me one person in music, film, art, even business inventions that wasn't higher than a kite and sometimes fell at the hand of such. Lets use Pink Floyd just to keep things recent.  Addicts and a clear artists. I always detested this music (until Mufasa trying to find a way to convince me of his greatness) :::cause G must be SOLD, not TOLD::::: Where was I? Oh!.. He brought me a CD of Pink Floyd's music played by an orchestra. A full on rendition of each of the hits. I am not exaggerating when I now tell you that THIS pair was brilliant! ( Roger Waters and David Gilmore) Through different ears did I hear this music. Pink Floyd Symphonic. I realize that this is a classical rendition of his music, but my ears cannot stand  Pink Floyd doing it, yet swoons hearing the symphonic versions!

 So who else? Elvis? Picasso? Dumb luck or drugs? I know! Charlie Sheen! Now theres a mind right? Just ask him! How about finding a high while exercising? :::I cringed on that one:::: Maybe our creativity comes from work alone? If we enjoy our work, we are creative in it? We should all be so lucky to live to work and enjoy this, yes? Of course, yes.
 I personally post a prayer and sometimes drink a glass of wine when calling out for my Mojo. I'm not sure that's gonna do the trick..lol Speaking of, I'm going to put on some tunes, take 2 Excedrin and make a fresh cuppa and get to work! Chemicals.. see ! Yen Can Cook!

PS: Live to quilt?

Bridge Walk

"When we long for life without difficulties,

remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds

 and diamonds are made under pressure."Peter Marshall

Good Lord, I must be a chocolate diamond cuddled up in the bend of the tallest oak tree out back!

:::or just full of myself, one:::

Mornin`! How are ya? I am alive! The jury was out on that btw after getting my new much needed bridge installed yesterday. Now I don't understand why normal people just go in and get their teeth done with no incident. Mine? Drama EVERY step of the way! Be it money, insurance woes, PAIN, gum grafting and yes even death. I am so far from normal there must be a huge plan for the rest of my life! Here's the back story:

After nearly one years worth of a battle to bridge 3 lil teeth, I am so close to the DAY I can fry up a cowboy pork chop and gnaw it to the bone. I have waited, fought, bawled, and yes poligripped my way around this bear of a journey. I am excited and proud to have survived this (TOO). Monday is the day. The sun is about to come out, all rain be damned, and I can chew once again!

 Then.....I get this call on Friday. Of course its the dentist. I froze. WTH? Insurance issues again? Maybe the lab screwed up the fitting? There was an earthquake that obliterated my toof?? WHAT???

Oh nooooo much worse than that! My poor dentist, a young 50 yr old slender healthy man, just passed out at work and died. Thought to be a brain aneurysm, the man is gone, and all I can think about is my stupid bridge installation??? Oh Gina.....

I spent the entire raining week end with this on my mind. They were trying to find a substitute to take his appointments. Might a stranger be in my mouth? Those of you that know me well understand my fear of dentists. I don't bite, however I do throw up . A lot.

Monday showed up, so did the sunshine, and a substitute dentist. The very same temporary bridge that wouldn't stay put all winter long was now about to be SAWED off by a stranger. I heard the words "we're going to have to cut this one apart". OMFG! With no zanex on board, I wept. With needles up my nose I wept A LOT. I didnt throw up. I took my mind to a place that could not destroy me for I had already suffered the worst. ( that will get me through ANYTHING for the rest of my natural life. CLIC

Temp is out, new prosthetic is in, I am sore but alive, and the dang sun is out! Life is good. I will sorely ( no pun intended) miss my dentist. I hope I find a new trustworthy doctor. That poor suffering family of his will not. I am a bit ashamed of myself. I am a big boob sometimes. Grunt. Where's Mr. Wizard when ya need him?

Pay no attention to the crooked smile. Its the dope. I'm snarling like Ginger! LOL No funny remarks either...like, "hey wheres your lipstick? Is THAT an Age spot girlie? U sure you dont want to try that bleaching zinger machine again?..... remember... "G" Unplugged:)

Quilter Smart Phone App /M & M's

Today you are You, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

Dr. Suess

Happy Monday:) Are ya up?:::asking myself right?::: I am SO looking forward to today! Why? The sun is coming !The sun is coming! Have we had enough rain? Mud? grey, drip yuk weather? We have several HWY 1 road closures now. Just TRY to get to Monterey right? The big sink hole is not far past Cambria where Mufasa travels to daily. I hear tell that the tourist industry is already suffering greatly. I hope they can fix the road before summer!

This week end we unpacked even more in the rain.The garage got some much needed attention and we can now walk in there! I am still getting the shop in order while quilting! Its a smaller studio so storage is at a premium, and a bit difficult to figure out. Yesterday, I used the ceiling as a 5th wall and hung quilts up there! I wonder if I can make a design wall up there? Hmmmm

As you probobly figured it out I did not win the Mega Million dollar lottery. Well, I DID win 2 dollars!Next time. I found the perfect sink I would like to put in the home I'll be building. Wanna see it? My inspiration is from my biscotti jar. Can ya just see me walking all over toting this big ceramic jar around? I cant wait!

I keep a file for such ideas so that when the time comes, I'm READY!! I can just whip out the pictures and point. :::sigh::: You should see my studio pictures!

For today I shall be quilting on a snowball. I think I've done the stand and stare long enough. I am still ditching while contimplating though! Hey! Thank goodness I remembered to tell you this! I have a new app on my Android Smart phone you just have to try!

 How simple this has made my day!!! Its Robert kauffman fabric calculater, and much more!! Go get it! Its free! I believe its also available for iPhone too.

 I better get to it... you peoples have a marvelous Monday!

MM include:

 Interfacing by the bolt for lots of tee shirt blocks!!

craigs list people that come get my boxes!

less boxes!

A car that "hydroplaning" is not in its dictionary

RK Fabric Calculater App! WOOHOO!!

The new rock garden looking so inviting out here.

Mom's Chicken & Dumplin's My Way

I'm not clear when Ma had her decade of fun with Bisquick. I think it was the 60's? I still love the go to Impossible Pies and my kids did too! I still love an impossible cheeseburger pie!

 The differance in mine and Moms Chicken and Dumplins is her Roux. She made her own, mine is a can of cream of chicken soup! ( or celery). Also,  she left her chicken pieces whole, I dice mine up. I'm eager to de bone so I can be lazy with the bites!

I was very busy chasing kids to make a roux back then anyway. Years later I have tried it, and also my own dumplins, but I always come back to this way. Serious comfort food, or rain food however you would like to see it.

 

Chicken and Dumplings

Soup

•1 (3 to 3-1/2 pound) whole chicken cut up

•2 bay leaves

•6 sprigs Dill

•4 to 5 black peppercorns

•1 head garlic, split

•2 tablespoons kosher salt

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 stalks celery sliced

2 carrots sliced

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup pearl onions ( u can use 1 small sweet onion diced, Ma liked those pearl onesJ)

1 large potato, peeled and diced ( do not omit as it adds thickness to soup)

Salt and pepper to taste

1  Can of  cream of chicken soup

*Bisquick dumplins, see below

Sprinkles of parsley flakes

In a stock pot place first 6 ingredients, cover with water.( about 6 cups)  Bring to a boil, then simmer one hour.

Remove chicken and strain off stock. ( reserve stock, place chicken on a cutting board, pitch the rest.)

While chicken cools, skim fat from the stock and add all of your veggies except peas, Cooled, deboned and cut up chicken. Cook on simmer 30 minutes. Add creamed soup in and frozen peas. bring to a boil.

Use Bisquick recipe for dumplins and add spoonfuls onto boiling soup,sprinkle parsley flakes, reduce heat,cook 10 min, cover and simmer 10 minutes longer.

Dumplins:

2 C bisquick

2/3 c milk

Mix together, do not over mix.


* Favorite memory comes to me when I make this soup. I used to love corn. Especially cut fresh off the cob. I added this to Moms recipe and she ALWAYS scolded and told me that I ruin her dishes with my corn! THIS coming from a woman whos favorite creamy soup is corn chowder? She cracks me up. I miss her so much. Nowadays.. since I continue to learn, I use less and less corn. I dont need the carbs, starch, or non nutritional value. I choose to save my corn craving for the state fair walks:)

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky.”

~ Rumi

Eye Dew Review By Me, G.

"Freedom lies in being bold."

Robert Frost

One would think this would be refreshing for those insufferable morning puffiness days. Not so fast! I have now used them for the damned sinus infection swollenness top and bottom!

My Dear Daughter sent these to me last month. I think she thought I needed a spa treatment? I didn't try them until I just couldn't LOOK at myself in the mirror any longer out of sheer horror of resembling Rocky Balboa's kid sister! As I stood at that mirror behind me in the reflection hung these lil patches of heaven:) I really had nothing to lose but FATNESS! Now on the directions it reads to use below the eyes for puffyness. Now me, being the curious one that I am had to play around with this recipe. I put them in the refrigerator for an hour and used above my eyes and below as well. They went on super simply and to my delight, stayed there! I wasn't about to skip a beat so I kept walking and ::unpacking::: and wow... kept them on!

After a good hour or so I removed them and ran straight for the mirror and moisturizer, expecting to fix something. Not only did they work like a poultice of ibuprofen diminishing the swelling drastically, but it felt great too! (oh man next time I have a crying jag you know what I'm reaching for!)

I want these everyday. With coffee and blogging. No one would see right? What a wonderful routine!

::: I DO EYEDEW COFFEE BLOGS::: lol!

All natural ingredients, no hemmroidal creme necessary (another blogabout no doubt). A bit pricy, but its not botoxy? I bet this will be great after a heavy drinking quilting day!

Thank you KareBear.. send Mama Mo!



I'm All Over This!

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."

William James

Oh Yeh... I have the Compound built as we speak! (in ma head)

Look out Smurf Castle!!!
PS: I have never tired of this song, and while seemingly floating away over here on the Central Coast, I cant stop singing it either!
Enjoy:)



Caught Red Handed Contest

"Character is simply habit long enough continued."Plutarch

 

Oh I have MORE than one picture of this little one caught red handed, but I just crack up everytime I see this one. I have entered her/us into a contest from Single Dad Laughing. Please go see and vote for her UBER funny caught red handed pic!!! Fiercly independant she wants to administer her DESITIN treatment herself thanks!

http://www.danoah.com/p/contest.html

Second cuppa thoughts.........because I can:) I got to sleep in today and guess what I discovered? My usually dragging butt behind was up and speed racing through the house a lot sooner! I cleaned the kitchen, started laundry, made my list, ate some protein, took out the trash, made a few sticki reminders, did the parrot prayers, and SHEESH< made fresh coffee and Im back! Maybe I really am recovering from the move? Maybe the antibiotics kicked in? Maybe I DID need more sleep!!!

I had my dr. follow up yesterday. I didnt tell ya, but it IS TELL ALL TUESDAYS right? grunt.

I finally figured out why I go to the doctor kicking and screaming. Yep yep yep... Its because the outcome is always anxiety! Every single time! Do you remember last summers BIG C SCARE? Well I do! Now, from a silly sinus infection, comes more of the same,(its still with me)  the unhealthy private part reaction to said antibiotics came over for a visit to. Two new blood tests ordered because of diabetes suspect, BP meds changed because its not controlled, changed my hormone meds cause she can.....and to top it all off, she put me on yet another diet! (No Whites At Night, Dr Gavin M.D.)

Mufasa thinks I havent been taking good care of myself like I told Ma last month. Ok, maybe he is right. In my defense, i am having a rough patch of life eh, but its shaping up? So must I. PS: I dont WANT a colon sceening test!!! ( kicking and screaming they are going to make me go:(

I want to just stay age 40 all my life. Yes 40. Ahhhh the good years...lol

So this new diet... like I havent tried them all right? I will read this book today in between appointments and box patrol. I have read the excerpts and now I understand why old people eat dinner so early, now I'm going to be one of them. GRUNT. The good doctor says its her "go to" live it program citing the ease of DQL with it on board.  I will get back to ya on that. Wish me luck! Ok, enough chit chat... much to do today, have a good one!

Go vote for Avi's pic up there!

LYG

G

Happy Birthday Shawn! M & M's

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."Sir Winston Churchill



Good Monday morning! I was looking for my MM label and I see that I REALLY need a Happy Birthday label! I think I have many grands! Isnt that great?? Time marches on and while parts of that bothers me, this part does not.

Much love to give and get here oh boy:)This photo looks so much like his Dad (Jake) in his 4 year old preschool picture. He is every bit as much a curtain climber as his Dad too! (And then some!)

I have a mind list going today. Trying not to push the panic butoon. I think we took the weekend to be lazy. It rained and rained (still raining) so we werent up to speed with putting the house in order.You know what that means for Monday right? Doubletime! I think I'll go put on chicken and dumplins too. That always sounds so good in the rain. BTW, When is the dang rain going to let up? I think its following me! I know that I may be begging for that wet weather come summer right?

I want to squeeze in some tee shirt quilt time today too. I must say that I am not yet into the swing of things yet for work, but damn I'm trying! I need to get the house to a point where I feel that organized chaos as opposed to pure chaos..lol We did the Costco trip and brought MORE into the house to organize so that hits the list too. I am just downright pissed at the rise in food costs as well as gasoline. I tried Food4Less and found that they lie? Do you know that Target coffee is cheaper than Food4less and Costco beats them both? I personally think I tie up funds at Costco buying in bulk, however I just cannot beat the "bundled " savings that it nets. Not to mention the huge differance in quality of meats. It just isnt easy going to the 500 dollar store! Grunt.

I need more coffee and a clipboard!

LYG!

MM include:

Costco stock up trips

TV's all over on different channels to follow all of the crazy happenings in the world right now.

My road hugging, gas piggy, mini tank of a car

Impromptu Sew in Days

New pics of my Grands

The new Polenta recipe I am working on... get ready to swoon!

Tee Shirt Quilting Amazement

"Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently,

but life itself would come to be different."
– Katherine Mansfield

Yesterday I decided that my body was not co operating with the whole move, unpack, huck boxes thingy. I had spent over an hour on the computer learning the new above feature of "tabs". I was feeling guilty for being on line and not physically working. However I am REALLY sore & tired! Trying to fit things into the shop is not an easy task, however, blogging about grief isnt either. Since 2 giant Rubbermaid storage containers were staring me in the face, I thought maybe now... maybe now 3 years later I could stop hauling Jamie's clothes around and make the tee shirt quilts.DANGER, I know. If photos are difficult, how in the heck could I possibly get into his clothes? Especially when my home is a wreck, my studio the same, and there is so much to do should I even tackle this?

I'm doing it. I need to recover my body, make some storage room, and walk through this damn fire.

I'm doing it. DANGER.

For 6 hours straight I sorted, sniffed, measured, cut, inhaled James scent still on his clothing. I did'nt die. I'm still breathing. Its amazing. I fell from time to time. I scared myself and texted my daughter a few times. I also had a different feeling. I was able to recall memories fondly. I saw Jamie wearing some things, hearing his laugh and seeing him smile. I could feel his presence and hear him telling which tee shirt went into what quilt, and WHO to give it to. One might think this was my own mind speak, but I would disagree.

This kid was such a saver. I have his swim team tee's, baseball, Hume Lake church camp outs, his beloved Wolf tee's and then there are those drinking shirts from his concert trips. He loved shirts with stupid sentiments on them. His favorites are evident in thier wear and tear. One thing that I find odd beyond belief is there are 3, count the 3 shirts from Maui, specifically. Now as far as I know, he has never been to Maui, but it was where I WAS when the life changing call came in. I am still scratching my head about this one. Could he have gone and I dont remember? I will ask the kids today too.

In all of his clothing, bedding, etc, it is very clear that which was important to him. His pride in his brothers military tours is one of them. Even the duffle bag from boot camp was saved and now, cut up. His passion for music like his Mama, and the damned love of drinking too. ( not mama) I scolded him as I always have for that. Dear God I miss him so much.

I went to sleep last night with the day on my mind, the scent of him all over me, his slippers on my feet, and guess what? I slept.

Amazing, just amazing.

60 Tee shirts in all and jeans and dress shirts ahead of me for today. I am not afraid. I am in hopes that this will bring comfort to the kids and his Dad....and me.

Heres the initial picture. I will take you with me on this journey too K? If ya wanna come:)

LYG

G

Happy Birthday To Mom & Brother John:)

‎"I may not have gone where I intended to go,

 but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."

 Douglas Adams

After stumbling around for the coffee this morning, holding my allergy pressured face, with Ma on my mind, I opened the words above and I knew that she was still with me. Somewhere. For that, I keep calm and carry on. It may as well have been her saying those words meant for me.

 I am absolutley certain that she is enjoying her St Patty's Day Birthday with her heavenly family. For that I keep calm and carry on. It didnt stop me from buying her usual green bouquet for my table, however it has stopped me from picking up the phone. I miss you Ma.

This holiday has never been more than Moms Day for all of my life. Corned beef and cabbage always on the stove,and fresh cut green flowers on her table.

 I still find it funny that she landed on green and considered green a least favorite color. I will forever look in the mirror when I wear the color and wonder if I look like a frog.

(her crazy sentiments on the fashion).

I find it strangely comforting that the holiday still lives on in my big brother John. As many of you may remember that we only re met each other (I believe) in 2007. I'm wondering if he likes the color green? Dear John? just like Moms flowers on the table, I am chewing on black licorice in your honor ( yep, for breakfast!). So I suppose while the entire world wears frog green and drinks a brewskie for St Patricks Day, yours truly will be making a corned beef and cabbage while munching on black licorice, and smelling the flowers over there. Keeping calm, carrying on, thinking of my Ma and brother. Have a wonderful day, and so will I.

Bring On ANY Quilt, BUT..........

"Excellence is not an act but a habit.

The things you do the most are the things you will do the best."
Marva Collins



Now ya know she REALLY landed when the quilting comes out yes? Of course you do! First out of my closet is a "sort of" restoration. A friend of a friend of a friend kinda thingy. Here's what NOT to do when you send me a beloved quilt. I will and DO however take on any challenge, (cause that's how I roll) however some things just aren't necessary ya know?

You do not have to wrestle this baby down and sandwich it for me..lol I have the technology! Just bring me the masterpiece of a top, and the backing, I'll take it from there!

I know that you would LIKE to be finished with the beast, but please restrain yourself from binding it before I get to it. Puckers are not allowed at G's shop. See FAQ's at http://www.deargina.com/

I see your lovely try at hand quilting the piano keys, but try as I may.....I really cannot duplicate this?
 All you peoples know how I love restorations and sentimental projects but KISS. ( keep it simple silly) just for me:)
PS: Please remember that ditching for a longarmer is not the easy quilting technique as it is for you on a domestic machine. On our machines the head moves, not the fabric. On domestics, vice versa. Ditching for me (could be US) requires a steady surgical hand, achieved only with wine, and its not noon yet. ( that's some serious BS but sounded good at the time).
Having said all of this, I love all of your quilts, and yer guts... off to turn on the tunes and sew some straight lines.....